In a major move to tackle rising digital arrest scams and online fraud, the central government has made it mandatory for all telecom service providers (TSPs) to implement the Biometric Identity Verification System (BIVS) for SIM card issuance. Officials said the initiative aims for a nationwide rollout of BIVS within the next nine months.
Inter-Departmental Committee Directive
According to sources, the directive was issued by a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee emphasized creating a real-time dashboard to monitor SIM issuance, limiting the number of SIMs per individual to nine, and ensuring that no person is issued more than one SIM per day. Currently, TSPs track SIM limits only within their own networks and share data with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and License Service Area (LSA) units periodically.
FCRF Launches Premier CISO Certification Amid Rising Demand for Cybersecurity Leadership
Real-Time SIM Blocking Capability
Government officials explained that under the new system, suspicious SIM cards can be blocked within two to three hours, significantly reducing opportunities for online fraud and digital arrest scams. BIVS will link each SIM to the customer’s biometric data, such as fingerprint or iris scan, ensuring accurate verification at the time of issuance.
Experts have warned that digital crime and online financial fraud are on the rise. They said that issuing SIM cards without stringent verification allows cybercriminals to conceal identities and conduct fraudulent activities online. Real-time identity checks through BIVS are expected to significantly reduce such crimes.
Under this initiative, telecom companies must ensure that every SIM is linked to a verified biometric identity. Regular data sharing between DoT and TSPs, combined with monitoring through the new dashboard, will further strengthen the system and make it more effective.
Officials have urged the public to exercise caution when sharing personal information while obtaining a SIM card and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the relevant telecom service provider or authorities.
The government views this step as a critical move toward enabling swift action in cases of digital arrest and online fraud. The system is expected not only to save time in SIM blocking and identity verification but also to expedite legal proceedings. Once BIVS is rolled out nationwide in the coming months, authorities anticipate a significant decline in digital crimes and fraud cases.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
